The period from the end of the fifteenth century to the end of the nineteenth was one of wonderful discoveries. Many different motives impelled the great migration of Europeans to the New World—the Americas—and later the migration of Easterners into the North American West. Some wished to strike it rich and then return to the familiar comforts of an old way of living. Others, however, had a vision of a new world that included a willingness to face up squarely to the considerable challenges of actually living in the discovery.
For almost two thousand years, followers of Christ Jesus have been exploring a different kind of frontier, one that is reached through prayer and spiritual regeneration rather than sailing ships, covered wagons, or spaceships. Mrs. Eddy's discovery, more than a hundred years ago, of the Science of Christianity opened the possibility of perceiving more of our spiritual heritage as "joint-heirs with Christ." It was quickly shown that this discovery brought healing and wholeness to human lives. It also became obvious to those who took up the cross that Christians would be required actually to live in this discovery. It would not be possible to make occasional forays into spirituality for healing and success, only to return later to the old way of material living.
The Apostle Paul wrote eloquently of the need to put off "the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind."Eph. 4:22,23. And in another letter he used a similar image to speak of putting "on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Col. 3:10. This "new man" is now the true spiritual identity of each one of us as children of God.
